Physical activity or estradiol supplementation can prevent the metabolic syndrome in ovariectomized mice

Loss of ovarian hormones (ie. menopause) results in a significant increase in risk for developing the metabolic syndrome. Thus, the purpose of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of exercise in preventing the metabolic syndrome in a model of menopause. Female C57/BL6 mice were divided into three groups, ovariectomized (OVX), SHAM, and ovariectomized supplemented with 17β-estradiol (OVX+E2), with mice placed in either voluntary running wheel cages or standard cages for eight weeks. OVX animals ran significantly less than SHAM animals, with the OVX+E2 group exhibiting a partial recovery in distance. Visceral fat mass and blood glucose levels were elevated in the OVX sedentary group as compared to SHAM and OVX+E2 groups. Voluntary wheel running and 17-β estradiol supplementation attenuated increases in visceral fat mass, blood glucose levels, and ERK1/2 phosphorylation in OVX animals, thus preventing symptoms of the metabolic syndrome which accompany loss of ovarian hormones